Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 3

At the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by local hosts and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Relax and settle in, or spend the day exploring the city’s many museums, charming streets, legendary squares, cathedrals and markets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner of regional specialties with your Travcoa Travel Director and fellow travelers.

Begin Day 3 by exploring Gornji Grad, the historic heart of Zagreb, with a local expert. Discover the hidden wonders of Savska Street, the splendid old train station, Zrinjevac Park and the Croatian National Theatre. Visit Croatia’s Parliament — an experience arranged exclusively for Travcoa travelers. Enjoy lunch in the renowned Vinodol restaurant before traveling through the Croatian Highlands, relishing the beauty of the lush green hills, the medieval castles and the many vineyards and wine cellars. You will arrive at Trakoscan Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the Zagreb region, and take in the spectacular views and setting.

Regent Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

DAYS 4 & 5

Ljubljana is dominated by its ornate 17th-century castle. This medieval city by the river is filled with numerous cultural and historical monuments. A local expert will guide you on a tour of the Old Town district, including the Baroque Town Hall building, the seat of the municipal government, with the beautifully ornate Robba Fountain just outside it. Travel to Bled, one of Europe’s most fascinating and beautiful cities and home of Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. Cruise to St. Mary’s Island to view its renowned church that was built into the rock on this tiny island in Lake Bled. Next, explore Bohinj Lake, locked in a glaciated valley, it is the deepest, largest lake in Slovenia. Ride the cable car to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of Bohinj Lake.

Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled

DAYS 6 & 7

Enjoy a trip to the caves at Postojna led by a local expert. Filled with spectacular limestone stalactites and stalagmites, the caves radiate an eerie ambiance. Enjoy a private choral concert performed exclusively for you in the caves. Next stop is Opatija, the “Nice of the Adriatic.” On Day 7 you will venture into the region often called the Croatian Tuscany. In the town of Pula, explore the Roman amphitheater from the second century. The next stop is beautiful Rovinj, Istria’s cultural mecca with its fantastic setting, centuries-old red-roofed houses clustered around the hill of a former island. Continue to Porec; explore the famous Basilica of St. Euphrasius, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site that features artwork, mosaics and stained glass by Slovenia’s great artists and artisans.

Millennium Hotel, Opatija

DAY 8

Departing Opatija, drive to a land of scenic wonders — Plitvice National Park. A World Heritage site more than 4,000 years old, the park features 16 beautiful lakes connected by 32 spectacular cascades and waterfalls. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers creating natural dams which in turn have created this series of lakes, caves and waterfalls. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. A local naturalist will lead you to the park’s best lookouts and hidden wonders. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Licka Kuca a renowned, authentic Lika region restaurant.

Jezero Hotel, Plitvice National Park

DAY 9

Delight in the beauty of the Adriatic Coast as you travel to the coastal city of Split. En route stop in Trogir, and explore Trogir’s cathedral of St. Lovro, the city museum and the fortress of Kamerlengo. Enjoy lunch and time to explore the narrow, charming streets of Old Town, before traveling southward on to Split. An open-air museum of gardens, markets and archaeological treasures, Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Explore the remains of Emperor Diocletian’s spectacular palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins remaining.

Hotel Atrium, Split

DAYS 10 & 11

This morning drive south along the scenic Croatian coastline. Stop in the village of Ston on the Peljesac peninsula. Home to old stone houses and one of the longest fortification walls in Europe, Ston’s claim to fame is its wonderful food. Stop for some wine and oyster tasting, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue south to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Attend a concert of Dubrovnik’s renowned “Sorkocevic” quartet in the St. Saviour Church in the Old Town. Montenegro, although a small country, is home to a rich cultural legacy, incredible scenery and tempting local delicacies. Drive through Boka Kotorska Bay, passing the towns of Risan and Perast to arrive in Kotor, a city of winding streets, hilltop fortresses and wonderful courtyards hidden between alleyways and historic buildings. Explore this walled city, reveling in its cobblestone streets and ancient churches including the Cathedral of Sveti Tripun, the symbol of Kotor. The next stop is the coastal town of Budva which dates back to 5th century B.C. Visit the medieval Citadel, once a huge fortress, and marvel at its 15th-century ramparts, city gates, defense walls and towers. Return to Dubrovnik by early evening.

Hilton Imperial, Dubrovnik

DAYS 12 & 13

Dubrovnik is easily recognized for the ancient walls that protected the city’s medieval churches, palaces and monasteries. Take a walking tour and stroll the Stradun, a promenade that begins at the city’s gate and ends at the clock tower where mechanical knights hammer out the quarter hour. Visit the splendid cloister at the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the world’s oldest operating pharmacies, open since 1391. Delight in the artistic treasures at the Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, and visit Rector’s Palace and the 14th-century Dominican Monastery. This evening, gather for our farewell cocktail and dinner at the famed Nautika restaurant. In the morning on Day 13, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight home or on to your next destination.

Hilton Imperial, Dubrovnik

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